Video Game Instructions

Some booklets are wafer thin, because the title is basic enough that even a preschooler can understand. However, more complex offerings can sometimes come with instruction books thicker than most magazines. Whatever the case, writing instructions is a key part to making a video game.

At the same time, some of these booklets can sometimes be lacking in enough information to get your through some of the more challenging aspects of that particular video game. The strategy guide industry thrives on this deficit. Walkthroughs and guides are particularly useful for role-playing games, whereas cheat codes and secrets are more heavily utilized in shooting, action, and adventure games. These same guides -- which come at an additional cost to the actual game itself -- occasionally outline Easter eggs as well, granting you an extra special treat that you may not have discovered yourself.

Want to know more about video game instructions? Then read on, dear gamer, read on.

What Are Typical Video Game Instructions?

All commercially-available video games will come with a set of instructions of some kind, but they come in varying sizes and levels of depth. If you were to buy a PC computer game, these instructions would also give you information about system requirements, as well as how to install the game on your computer. These two elements would not be found on console and handheld games -- like those for the Playstation 2 or Nintendo DS -- because they simply do not apply.

A typical instruction book comes with the following sections (or some variation).

1. A warning about operating the game, the possibility of seizures from the fast-moving graphics or flashing visuals, and the risk of motion sickness.
2. A table of contents
3. A basic outline of the back-story (if applicable)
4. Basic controls
5. Advanced controls
6. Explanation of the game screen
7. Game modes (with a sub-section for each)
8. Specialized information or character bios
9. Credits
10. Warranty information

Some of these elements may not appear in all booklets and there may be additional elements, but these sections are the most typical for a computer or console game.

If we were to discuss free online video games, the picture is slightly different. There would obviously be no physical manual, but basic instructions are usually included as part of the "help" within the game itself. Sometimes this information is found under "how to play". In any case, online computer games will still explain the basic controls and the premise behind the game, in case you're not sure where to get started. More advanced techniques, if applicable, are usually revealed and revisited as the game progresses.

Do I Need To Read These First?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the experience of the gamer and the nature of the game. For example, if you're a huge pigskin fan and have been playing the Madden Football series for years, you can probably jump right into Madden NFL 2006, even if you've never played it before. This is because the control scheme and the minor details in the game are likely very similar to Madden 2005 and Madden 2004.

By contrast, when approaching a wholly novel game like Elebits for the Nintendo Wii, it may be best to familiarize yourself with the controls before jumping right in. The control scheme is distinctly different and may take some time to understand.

The need for an instruction booklet varies, just as some people read through their cell phone manuals cover-to-cover, whereas others are more comfortable just "playing" with the handset to figure out the nuances on their own.

Where Can I Get Replacement Booklets?

All video games should come with instructions, but sometimes the book may be missing when you rent a title. Other times, you may purchased a used copy that is missing its manual. For times like those, you have a couple of options. There are eBay auctions that sell replacement booklets and you can find links to many of those on VideoGameInstructionBooks.com.

Alternatively, there are a few online resources that list "soft copies" of the booklets that you can download and print yourself. One example of a website with a very extensive collection is ReplacementDocs.com.